Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. The virus is usually transmitted through food or water contaminated by human faeces or by direct contact with an infectious person. Hepatitis A is rare in the UK with most cases occurring in travellers who have recently visited countries where the disease is common.

Areas with high levels of infection include low-income countries that may have relatively poor sanitary conditions and hygiene practices. These areas include: the Indian subcontinent, Sub-Saharan and North Africa, parts of the Far East, South and Central America, and the Middle East.

frequent and/or long-stay travellers to areas where sanitation and food hygiene are likely to be poor

those with existing medical conditions such as liver disease or haemophilia

men who have sex with men

people who inject drugs

those who may be exposed to the virus through their work

those going to areas of hepatitis A outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care

Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease becomes more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A illness, immunity is lifelong. Symptoms may include: fever, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), malaise and nausea.

Prevention

As the most common mode of infection in travellers is consumption of contaminated food or water. The risk of acquiring hepatitis A can be reduced by ensuring good personal hygiene and following advice on the prevention of food and water-borne diseases.

Hepatitis A vaccine

Several effective inactivated hepatitis A vaccines are available for travellers intending to visit areas where hepatitis A is common. Some of these vaccines are combined with either hepatitis B or typhoid.

1 dose followed by a single antigen hepatitis A vaccine 6-12 months later

≥ 16 years

Length of protection

The duration of protection from a completed course of hepatitis A vaccine can be expected to be at least 25 years and probably indefinite. However, Public Health England recommend that until further evidence is available on persistence of protective immunity, a booster dose at 25 years is indicated for those at ongoing risk of hepatitis A. Specific advice should be sought for individuals with altered immune responses, an earlier booster may be recommended.

Hepatitis A vaccine recommendations and dose sparing advice for pre and post exposure immunisation and boosting from Public Health EnglandRead more

Recent Hepatitis A Outbreaks

05 Jun 2018

Hepatitis A in Australia

On 5 June 2018 confirmed the death of a 64-year-old woman who contracted hepatitis A linked to the consumption of a brand of frozen pomegranate. There is a national recall of the product. State - Read more